Mission
Dakota College at Bottineau Campus Assessment, Response, and Education (CARE) Team utilizes a team approach to support a safe, caring, and inclusive learning environment by identifying and addressing concerning behaviors through early intervention, collaborative support, and connection to resources—fostering well-being and success.
Goal
Our goal is to help students, faculty and/or staff, of concern, successfully cope with their difficulties so they can regain normal productivity. The Team’s role in this initiative is to work with the campus community to identify individuals who might be struggling, gather as much information as possible about their circumstances, and refer them to a helping resource. The DCB CARE Team promotes the well-being of each individual, especially when they begin to struggle mentally, emotionally, and academically. To enhance the safety of students, faculty, and staff at DCB.
If immediate assistance is needed, please contact 911.
988 is a 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The team needs your help in identifying members of the campus community who might require early intervention and support that prevents a behavioral concern from rising to the level of a threat or crisis. If you have a concern about a member of our community, please report it to a member of the team.
CARE Team Chair and Point of Contact
Hannah Hoffert, MS, LAPC
Mental Health Coordinator
Thatcher Hall, Office 1109
hannah.hoffert@dakotacollege.edu
(701) 228-5636
Core Team Members
Hannah Hoffert, MS, LAPC
Mental Health Coordinator and CARE Team Chair
Office: Thatcher Hall, Office 1109
Telephone: 701-228-5636
Email: hannah.hoffert@dakotacollege.edu
Tracy Chisholm
Faculty Representative
Office: NSC 111
Telephone: 701-228-5424
Email: tracy.chisholm@dakotacollege.edu
Danielle Clemenson
Registrar
Office: NSC 107
Telephone: 701-228-5470
Email: danielle.clemenson@dakotacollege.edu
Sandy Hageness
Human Resources Representative
Office: Thatcher Hall 110
Telephone: 701-228-5480
Email: sandy.hageness@dakotacollege.edu
Casey Pierson
Athletic Director
Office Location: Thatcher Hall
Telephone: 701-228-5427
Email: casey.pierson@dakotacollege.edu
Bridget Gustafson
Housing & Student Life Director
Office: Thatcher Hall Student Services
Telephone: 701-228-5657
Email: bridget.gustafson@dakotacollege.edu
Carissa Pollman
Nursing Staff Representative
Office: Old Main Second Floor Administration
Telephone: 701-228-5449
Email: carissa.pollman@dakotacollege.edu
Roles and Responsibilities
Emergency vs. Intervention
It's important to distinguish between an emergency and a situation that may require intervention:
- Emergencies require immediate attention from Student Affairs, Business Affairs, or possibly Law Enforcement. These situations should be handled by emergency personnel and a referral to DCB CARE Team should be made after the emergency has settled.
- Non-emergent concerns should be referred to the DCB CARE Team for further review and response planning.
Recognizing Signs
If you observe any of the following behaviors, especially those indicating a potential safety concern, report them to the DCB CARE Team. Early identification and support can make a significant difference.
- Noticeable decline in academic performance
- Significant drop in test or exam scores
- Sudden changes in classroom participation or social interaction
- Marked changes in physical appearance or hygiene
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Repeated requests for extensions, accommodations, or other special considerations
- New or persistent behavior that challenges classroom management or disrupts others
- Unusual or extreme emotional reactions (e.g., intense sadness, frequent crying)
- Persistent low mood or signs of depression
- Elevated irritability or inappropriate excitement
- Highly erratic or disturbed behavior
- Frequent outbursts of anger
- Difficulty expressing thoughts or maintaining coherent conversation
- Speech or ideas that seem disconnected or irrational
- Signs of losing touch with reality (e.g., hallucinations, delusional thinking)
- Paranoia or irrational feelings of persecution
- Expressions of hopelessness or statements related to death or dying
- Threats of self-harm or harm to others
How will I know when an intervention may be needed?
As a member of our campus community, you are in a unique position to notice concerning behaviors that may need attention. Your close connection with students and colleagues gives you valuable insight into issues that may arise. If you become aware—either directly or indirectly—of a potential behavioral concern, share it with the DCB CARE Team so an appropriate plan of action can be developed.
Referrals
The CARE Team may assist the student / individual with possible referrals, such as the Campus Nurse, Title IX Coordinator, Associate Dean, etc.
How to Refer
Please see form above to submit an individual of concern, or please reach out to a member of the CARE Team listed above.
The State Board of Higher Education mandates that every college and university are equipped with a Behavior Intervention Team.